R.E.M. Accelerate - LP or CD?

I have not heard the LP, but CD sound quality is pretty bad. Great music though.

Analog from hi rez digital is actually very good. Mastering is now done in hi rez formats like 24/192 and the masters are 1-bit DSD, up to 5.6mHz. I've got a great analog system and a great digital front end and the differences between SACD, DVD-A and vinyl is incredibly small. (Most systems will not reveal a difference). OTOH, Red Book CD is pretty far behind, only edging out mp3.

BTW, I own this album in vinyl. It's very good in that format, but not exceptional. I haven't heard the CD, but the vinyl still shows some signs of compression, but not bad at all.

Dave

One of the positive attributes mentioned in a review I read...perhaps the Rolling Stone review...was the compression. Compression contributed the crunchy/punchy sound of rock music.

Well Tvad, no telling what system that reviewer was listening on. No wonder there's so much screwed up, overly compressed music lately.

Dave

Systems aside, compression is a recording tool utilized on purpose in the studio for a specific effect, and has been for decades. I'm sure you know this already.

No, compression is not a process approved by audiophiles, but the goals of rock producers and audiophiles often diverge.